Michael Rapaport On How He Captured Juliette Lewis As A ‘Hard Lovin’ Woman’ – Tribeca Studio

Actor Michael Rapaport went behind the camera for his second music-related doc, Hard Lovin’ Woman. His subject is long-time friend Juliette Lewis and her passion as a budding rocker in the band Juliette and the Licks. “The title came from a song — probably my favorite song — and she just tears it up,” said Rapaport at the Deadline Photo Studio at the Tribeca Film Festival.

“People that know her from movies like Cape Fear, Natural Born Killers and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, I think, are going to be shocked and in awe seeing her as a musician.” Rapaport and Lewis have been friends for over 20 years. He said that others had approached Lewis about doing similar docs, but she eventually turned to him. “Music is her first love. I think it was her first dream,” he added. “She started a band with her own money…When she is on stage, she’s all out. I think this is the way she attacks her art.”

With over 50 acting credits in feature films, Rapaport also has shown a passion for directing, from his 2011 Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest to 2014 sports doc feature When The Garden Was Eden. “I want to continue to make docs,” he said. “I’ve always loved acting, [but] I want to make a feature. I want to continue doing both and continue to grow.” Hard Lovin’ Woman will be available on Red Bull TV April 23. The short documentary will screen again at the Regal Cinemas Batter Park on Sunday, April 17 at 6pm; Tuesday, April 19 at 2:45pm; and Thursday, April 21 at 6:30pm, as well as at Bow Tie Cinemas Chelsea 8 on Saturday, April 23 at 2:30pm.